Leather Types

About Natural Vegetable-Tanned Leather

Natural vegetable-tanned leather is one of the oldest methods of making leather using natural tannins found in barks, wood and other parts of plants to convert animal skin into leather hence the colour texture of the leather looks natural. This is the most environmental friendly way to tan leather as no chemicals have been used. The process is very lengthy and therefore expensive but is widely recognised as the most desirable leather because of its high quality and durability.

Natural vegetable-tanned leather will develop a patina over time, giving the leather a soft sheen and beautiful depth of colour. The patina will vary for each individual as it develops in response to various conditions such as patterns of individual usage, exposure to sunlight and heat, natural body oils, hence making each item a truly unique piece to its owner.

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About Horween Essex Leather

The Horween Leather Company was established in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois and has a known reputation for its high quality leather. Horween Essex Leather is 100% vegetable tanned resulting in a leather that is smooth to the touch, durable and strong, yet supple enough for the most sophisticated bags and leather goods. The leather is also full grain cowhide, which means that it has not been altered in a way that weakens its fibers or structure. Another characteristic of Essex is its high oil content which not only gives the leather a long life, but also the ability to age well and look better over time.  The leather is also hand glazed and then given an aniline finish.

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